Customer Reviews

Knit and Crochet with Beads

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ok, knitting and bead fans, this is for you. First off, this is a book with both knitting WITH beads and beaded knitting (The former is knit fabric embellished with knit-in beads, the latter is fabric OF beads, with thread holding them into the mesh. No yarn showing.) Most of the projects are knitting with beads or even sewing them on, but Chapter Five is all beaded knitting. Some space is devoted to embellishing with sewn-on beads.

The projects are varied--something for everyone from jewelry and bags to socks to sweaters. There are many pages devoted to different techniques--so despite a good selection of patterns, this book encourages the knitter or crocheter to go out on their own.

A selection of projects:

1. A plum colored crocheted beaded vest. VERY impressive.
2. Several beaded scarves
3. A "Grace Kelly" collar in champagne color, almost Victorian looking.
4. Quite a few bags including some totes, some evening bags and an amulet bag in beaded knitting.
5. Pullovers--cabled with beads, and a faux-textured knit with beads replacing the texture stitches (hard to explain, but it's very graphic looking and interesting.) A linen African-looking vest in neutral shades with oblong beades.
6. Socks, hats
7. Two Forties-looking short sleeve blouses with beads
8. A wide-collared paillette (big flat sequin) top that looks like the wide off-the-shoulder styles out now, but harks back to the Fifties. This is crocheted.

I think Lily has outdone herself here. These designs are fascinating. And it's not just projects-- the instructions to design your own bead work, including some bead chart paper, are unique among knitting books. I think this book is a must for any serious knitter's or crocheter's library.

I recently received my copy of Lily Chin's newest book. Wow! I recently learned to knit at the beginning of the year. Prior to knitting, I made beaded jewelry. The directions are clear and concise. I put myself in the place of a person who knows nothing about beads. I was impressed. I can't wait to get started on some of the projects. One thing readers might want to take note of, when using glass or seed beads make sure the beads are from japan. The holes are bigger and more uniform. Czech beads or beads from the Czech republic are irregular and may not go through the yarn. Their are two types of beads I recommend, Toho's and Miyuiki's. The book is worth purchasing.

This book has something for all..those who knit, crochet, beginners and advanced. I particularly liked the different techniques Lily uses to attach beads at various stages of your project. You can bead before, during and after starting your project. There are also lots of ideas for designing your own projects and using beads to jazz up an existing pattern. She shows how to add beads to different stiches so if you have a single crochet sweater..you can graph and add beads yourself!! I also love the patterns....very modern and classy. Good job Lily!

If you are an experienced knitter this is a great way to expand your options. I love a number of the patterns and the instructions are clear. This is a great book but may be a little tough for a beginner.

Great information and instructions for bead crochet, bead knitting , and beaded knitting. Finally you will be able to see the difference between the 3. Fantastic projects that just make you want to try them, even if you don't knit, you will certainly want to learn plus a very nice gallery of one of Ms. Chin's creative creations, book is certainly a great addition to your knitting/crochet library.

This book had almost everything I wanted or expected to see in a book on knitting and crocheting with beads, and some things I didn't expect.

The patterns are really beautiful and delightfully originally.

Three areas, though, where I thought the book could have seriously improved:

o - Nothing whatsoever was written about making beaded doilies. She references knitting with crochet cotton thread, so I have no idea why this was excluded.

o - A great deal of emphasis was given to using a beading needle. It is possible to thread beads onto your yarn or thread without using one, and in the case of 10/1 seed beads and size 10 thread, you cannot USE a beading needle, you have to find a different way (such as stiffening the thread with glue and using the end of the thread as the needle).

o - The different techniques should have been shown side by side.

This is, nonetheless, an invaluable reference for anyone looking to embellish their work with beads.

I had great hopes that crochet would have equal parts of knit and crochet and boy was I wrong. For you knitters, it is about 75% knit and 25% crochet. I just expected more balance and didn't get it.

Inspiring and instructive. As always, Lily's instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for techniques that are new and a little different. The projects are stunning and quite "finish-able." And Lily's "signature" sense of humor keeps you company while you create and learn. A winner.

Who else but Lily could do it? I have knitted beaded purses on 0000 needles, but never considered knitting a beaded garment until reading this book. Lily explaind every way that it can be done in clear and precise language, with excellent pictures and charts. The patterns are glorious! Patterns for sweaters and shawls and really beautiful items that are truly one of a kind. And not knit on itty bitty needles either. You don't don't need a magnifying glass to knit these beauties! I am working on the Vargas Girl Sweater in pale blue Rowan cashmere with gold and copper beads, a large investment, but the results are gorgeous!! This book is a must have for the truly glamorous knitter!

This book is geared towards intermediate or advanced knitters who want to take their projects to a whole new level. Beads add an entirely new dimension to your knitted pieces. I am a jewelry designer who enjoys knitting and this book brings together two of my passions. The instructions and drawings are very clear. My favorite patterns are the Ethereal Lace Tunic and the Grace Kelly Collar. Both are simply gorgeous! If you love beads and knitting or crocheting, you will enjoy this book.